That’s the welcome verdict for anyone planning removals to Spain, from research published by the Daily Telegraph. The survey, carried out by Lloyds TSB, involved asking over 1000 British citizens to rate aspects of their new homes overseas, including quality of life and cost of living.

More than two thirds – some 68% – said they were happier in their adopted country than in the UK, a proportion which rose to more than three quarters (75.9%) among those living in Spain.

And in spite of the country’s economic difficulties, the vast majority of Brits who’d settled in Spain felt they were financially better off in their new homeland, with 8 out of 10 agreeing that the cost of living there was lower – a figure unequalled by any of the other nine countries mentioned in the survey.

That said, the Lloyds research suggests that lifestyle and financial benefits in themselves don’t bring happiness. Some countries, such as New Zealand, ranked high for quality of life and low for contentment. Many of the Spanish respondents cited experiences – family days at the beach and the shared values of the Spanish – to explain their feelings about the country.

To get your new life in Spain off to the best possible start, you’ll want to select a removals company who will deal with everything surrounding your move – from packing to paperwork – with efficiency and care. With many years’ experience handling removals to Spain, and the most modern vehicles and equipment, Cranbury’s trained staff can help make your move a success.

For the British, the French emperor has always been a bit of caricature – the pint- sized tyrant who rejected Josephine’s advances and was trounced at Waterloo. As in so much else, the French take a different view. They point to Napoleon’s influential legal code, and the military genius which brought great victories against overwhelming odds. Historians even say the emperor’s height has been underestimated.

Napoleon famously hailed from Corsica, and the Mediterranean island, with its mix of cultures, dramatic scenery and intimate, sandy beaches, sums up the diversity of France. Said to be fast becoming one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations, the capital Ajaccio is readily accessible from the mainland via Corsica ferries – or frequent services from London and Paris to Napoleon Bonaparte International Airport.

Meanwhile, analysis by The MoveChannel.com also points to the popularity of France’s Mediterranean coast, with a map measuring the number of inquiries about each of the country’s regions. Among those looking at houses for sale in France, Provence-Alps-Cote d’Azur takes the number one spot. Aquitaine, with its Atlantic coastline, and Languedoc Roussillon also score heavily.

Paris is reckoned to retain the strongest investment potential of any city overall, though it must be said that less well-publicized regions to the North can have a distinct appeal – and offer excellent value – to UK purchasers.

Whichever region is your final choice, it’s good to know that your removals to France are in safe and experienced hands. That’s why so many of those moving to France – or back to the UK – opt for Cranburys, the international removals specialists.

That’s the message from a number of recent surveys, including the respected Nationwide House Price Index. Figures from the lender show prices in the Southampton area rose by 1% in the last quarter of 2011 compared with the same period in 2010, leaving the average price for a property at £220,338. The equivalent figure for England as a whole – £185,724.

The big story nationally in recent months has been the plight of first time buyers, with the deposits demanded by mortgage lenders now beyond the reach of many. But with larger numbers seeking rented accommodation, there’s been a resurgence of the buy-to-let market. Southampton agents Location also point out that many buyers are opting for ‘Let to Buy’ – releasing capital in an existing property in order to fund the purchase of a new home.

According to Home.co.uk asking prices for detached and terraced properties in the city have gone up over the past 12 months, with the price of a typical detached home rising 6% to almost £275,000. The actual amount to change hands on the sale of detached properties averages some £252,000, according to Land Registry figures. But with prices for properties in other categories broadly flat, there will be opportunities for buyers and sellers alike in the months ahead.

Finding the right company to help with removals in Southampton is of course a vital part of planning your move. Cranburys offers a complete, professional removals service at a highly competitive price – along with local experience stretching back four generations. And with a reputation for taking care of the customer and their possessions, Cranburys will keep your move as stress-free as possible.

According to data from TheMoveChannel, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, in the far south-east of the country, is the region most sought after by potential purchasers of French property.

Analysis of enquiries received by the international property portal put Rhône-Alpes, just to the north, in second place. Other highly rated regions include Languedoc-Roussillon, Midi-Pyrénées and Aquitaine.

The draw of the fabled Côte d’Azur is reflected in its property values, with an average asking price of £1,109,000, as compared to £279,541 in Midi-Pyrénées.

With an area more than twice that of the UK, there is plenty of France to go round. Many of those hoping to relocate will be looking for that undiscovered corner away from the more populous areas.

When planning your removals to France it pays to select a company who knows the lie of the land – whichever region of the country you prefer. With generations of experience, Cranburys can be trusted to convey your possessions to their destination without hassle, and at a highly competitive price.

According to figures from estate agents’ body the FNAIM, average prices have risen for a fifth consecutive quarter, with an increase of 3.3% contributing to a 6.8% rise for the year so far. As ever, average figures mask regional variations, with more popular areas seeing larger rises.

RFI reports that prices in Paris have surged 22% this year, with especially high demand for upmarket areas such as the fashionable 6^th arrondissement, site of the Luxembourg Gardens and the shops of St Germain des Prés.

Analysts warn that the trend may soon falter, given the international economic slowdown. Nevertheless, planned changes to the French tax regime promise to add to the country’s attractiveness as a destination for international buyers.

France is widely seen as a beacon of dependability, with a stable housing market, respected legal system and high quality residential property. When planning a move to France, purchasers are right to demand the same high standards from their removal company. With expert staff and decades of experience in removals to France and Spain, international specialists Cranbury’s will help make your move hassle free.

The lizard – a Moorish gecko – survived a two and a half hour flight in a cargo hold and almost 24 hours of incarceration before scuttling out of the case, none the worse for its ordeal.

The gecko looked familiar to Mr Lucas and its grandchildren. They’d been watching similar examples on the wall of their house in Spain.

Used to basking in the balmy conditions of Andalucia or North Africa, the stowaway didn’t have to brave the English autumn for long. He was quickly moved to the Blue Reef Aquarium in Southsea, and treated to a meal of insects and reptile food.

Travelling light, like the Lucases’ passenger, is not an option for most of us when we move overseas. As specialists in removals to France and Spain, Cranbury’s have years of experience making sure furniture and other cherished possessions arrive unblemished and on schedule.

Figures from overseas mortgage specialists Conti show that the country accounted for no less than 39% of customer enquiries received by the company over the past year. Old favourite Spain was in second place, with a 7% rise in enquires on 2010 taking its total to 31%. Portugal and Turkey vied for third place, with the UK’s oldest ally eventually winning through with 12% of enquiries.

This is the third year running in which France has topped the Conti table, and its enduring popularity is being put down to a mix of financial and geographical factors.

Accessibility from the UK plays a big part, combined with the sheer variety of urban and rural locations suited to all tastes – not to mention the highly civilised lifestyle. And amid the economic troubles afflicting the Eurozone, France’s stable mortgage market and resilient property prices also suit investors.

Finding the right professional team to facilitate a move to France is vital of course, and that applies as much to the removals company you choose as to financial or legal advisors. With many years’ experience specialising in removals to France, Cranbury’s will ensure your valuable possessions arrive at their destination without fuss – so that you can begin to enjoy that famed French lifestyle as quickly as possible.

Their Quality of Life Index ranks ten European nations according to a mix of attributes – and confirms what many Brits may have suspected all along about the lifestyle enjoyed by our continental neighbours.

For a third year in a row, France topped the table, with Spain coming in a close second. Sad to say, the uSwitch figures place the UK at the bottom of the league.

Among the 16 factors taken into account were working hours, tax rates, holiday entitlement, spending on health and education – and, most significantly perhaps – hours of sunshine.

France earned its place in spite of an average household net income said to be £7,000 a year lower than that in the UK.

Anyone who has opted to move to one of the top European destinations might find reassurance in this latest snapshot of their attractions, were it needed. When planning your removals to France, or to Spain, there is also the opportunity to choose quality and value for money.

With many years’ experience handling removals to France and Spain, Cranbury’s can ensure you start to enjoy your new lifestyle as soon as possible.

The food served in France is, of course, one of its major attractions. And the republic jealously guards the reputation of its cuisine.

Hence, perhaps, the recent move by President Sarkozy’s government to force restaurants to make it clear whether their food is freshly cooked – or not.

Too many of France’s 120,000 eateries, it seems, have been resorting to the frozen food cabinet and the microwave. Traditional favourites such as boeuf bourguignon and canard à l’orange are sold in cheap vacuum packs – doing away with the need for an expert chef.

But now the National Assembly has approved a law to ensure such establishments come clean.

It has to be said that, for the French, frozen food doesn’t have the downmarket associations it does in the UK, with gourmet retailer Picard regularly voted the nation’s favourite brand.

Meanwhile, expat Britons who yearn for a taste of home will welcome the news that Marks and Spencer is once again trading in France, with a flag-ship store set to open on the Champs Elysées.

Great service is a vital ingredient in any successful business – which is why so many choose Cranburys when planning their removals to France and other international destinations.